7 Best Recumbent Bikes for Short Legs in 2023 ( Reviews & Guide )


 Are you looking for a recumbent bike that will be not put a strain our back and knees just because you are short? Here is a look at the best recumbent bikes for short legs.

Finding a proper recumbent bike in general can be quite hard because of the countless products out there. However, have you ever found yourself at your wits end because you cannot find a recumbent bike comfortable enough just because you are shorter than the “average Joe�

Worry no more because I have found 7 of the best recumbent bikes that are designed to really people like with short legs. I have tested and hand-picked these bikes because they make the cut.

At the end, I have also included all the factors you need to consider before buying a recumbent bike. The last thing you would want is spending your hard earned money on a recumbent bike that you cannot even use in the first place. No more straining to exercise just because you are short!


7 Best Recumbent Bikes for Short Legs- A comparison overview

Name
Resistance Levels
Weight Capacity
Action
Schwinn Bike Series
25
300lbs
Marcy Recumbent ME-707
8
300lbs
Exerpeutic Foldable 900XL
8
300lbs
Sunny Health and Fitness Pro
8
350lbs
Sole R92
20
300lbs
Pro Gear 555LXT
14
250lbs
Sunny Health& FitnessRecumbent
8
220lbs

 


Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series- Our top pick

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If you are looking for a bike to help you with weight loss and will still be comfortable for your short legs then the Schwinn recumbent bike series will be perfect for you.

Specs

  • Bluetooth connectivity and world app compatibility
  • 29 workout programs
  • 2 blue backlit LCD displays
  • Contact and telemetry enabled
  • Comfortable fit for riders who are between 4’11†and 6’3â€

With this bike you are offered Bluetooth connectivity which not only offers entertainment through music playing from the speakers but also for connecting with a fitness app. Coupled with the large LCD display you can to set fitness goals and track your progress towards them using this recumbent bike.

For a challenging and effective workout, this bike has a heavy flywheel that will help you reach high speed and inertia. You can control the levels of intensity as it has 25 levels to choose from.

To add, the set-up of this bike is easy and hassle free. The only downside is you have to put the parts together unlike most exercise bikes that come pre-assembled.

Pros

  • Port available for charging your phone
  • Has an easy step by step set up
  • Has 9 heart rate control programs
  • Fitted with a bottle holder

Cons

  • Takes time to assemble the bikes

Verdict

This exercise bike imitates a real bike that you can ride at the comfort it your home. All in all it is a great bike as it offers you a well-organized weight loss plan for shorter people as well.

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Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike ME-707- Versatile enough for short people as well

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This exercise bike is designed with an adjustable seat which makes it convenient for different kinds of people with different heights.

Specs

  • An adjustable seat with a back rest
  • 8 levels of magnetic resistance
  • LCD screen display
  • Maximum weight capacity is 300lbs
  • Comfortable for users who are 5’4†and above

Marcy ME-707 has a lot going for it. For instance, its seat is large and high density making it comfortable and durable enough for long sessions on it. Also with the help of the handlebars and this padded seat, you can be sure that you are getting a bike suitable for your short legs.

You will also not be disappointed with the safety measures that this exercise bike has put in place. The pedals have safety straps which ensure that your legs are firmly in place throughout a workout increasing the efficiency.

To add, there are different levels of resistance that you can easily adjust to using a knob. It has a LCD display where you can keep track of your fitness progress like the time you have been exercising. This display also has your weight loss plan laid out and controls for your speed. This way you can be able to easily control the amount of calories you burn.

Pros

  • Transportation wheels makes it easy to move around
  • Foot straps to help keep feet in place
  • Durable 14 gauge steel supporting heavy duty

Cons

  • Batteries for the screen are bought separately

Verdict

As this exercise bike is a small unit, it can be stored easily and anywhere. It also enables a wide range of users with its adjustable seat. It is safe to say that this is an ultimate exercising bike for short legs as well.

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Exerpeutic foldable recumbent bike 900XL

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Are you having a hard time finding a home exercise bike because of the length of your legs? This foldable recumbent bike has a convenient design that offers great features for people with short legs.

Specs

  • Foam cushion seat with a back rest
  • Bluetooth connectivity and LCD display screen
  • Compact sized and foldable bike
  • Maximum weight capacity of 300lbs
  • Fits riders who are between 5’3†and 6’6†in height

This foldable recumbent exercise bike is one of the best as it is foldable making it easy to store even in a small space as it can go up to half its usual size.Also, it is easy to shift this bike using the wheels on the frame.

As for its usability Exerpeutic 900XL has a weight capacity of 300lbs. It is also easily adjustable to be a good fit for users who are 5’3â€-6’6†tall. To add, you will have a LCD display showing the readings of your distance, speed, heart rate and burnt calories when you use this bike.

Pros

  • LCD display to have control over workout
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • 1 year limited warranty

Cons

  • There is no water bottle holder

Verdict

This recumbent foldable bike is a famous pick especially because it can go up to half its size making storage easier. It also supports people with short legs.

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Sunny Health and Fitness Pro- Indoor cycling bike with tweaks to fit shorter people as well

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You will have a convenient ride on this recumbent indoor bike as it supports different kinds of cycling styles. This is supported by the handlebars which are adjustable to one’s liking and height.

Specs

  • Heavy flywheel
  • Crank system available
  • Fitted with wheels
  • Allows different styles of cycling.

This bike has a weighted flywheel weighing 40 pounds. This flywheel allows you to ride the bike without rocking and also helps with maintaining a proper momentum at a given time.

As for its weight, Sunny health is considered to be lightweight which makes it easy to move it around. Also with the help of the wheels it is easy to transport. It is fitted with an adjustable height set which is determined by leg height. The material used on the pedals and the handlebars offers a good grip during a workout ensuring you your safety.

Pros

  • Crank system that supports heavy duty
  • Construction is durable as it is made of steel
  • Small in size saving space
  • Has a resistance system thus you can control workout intensity

Cons

  • There is no backrest

Verdict

This a great investment especially for people with short legs as it has amazing features to cater their needs and requirements. The assembling also has no hassle as it comes with a manual.

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Sole R92 Recumbent Bike- Quite pricey but comes with the high-end features to match

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While Sole R92 is quite expensive, you will find yourself drawn towards it because it is from a well-known company and you are assured of a low-impact cardiovascular workout that is still effective.

Specs

  • Cooling fan
  • 12 position adjustable seat
  • 8 levels of ECB resistance
  • 10 preset workout programs

In general, this bike has a great design. It has a flywheel of 20lbs, a foam seat and oversized pedals for your ultimate comfort. It also has a steel frame making it highly durable. Also the 2° inward incline of the pedals help to maintain proper posture.

To add, there are different programs on the console like hill climb, heart rate control which are displayed on a LCD display screen. There are built in speakers for entertainment and you are offered a generous warranty. Together with these features and adjustability specs, Sole R92 is ideal for short legs as well.

Pros

  • Heavy flywheel for an efficient yet quiet workout
  • Ergonomic pedals
  • Durable frame
  • Available pre installed programs
  • Easily adjustable seat

Cons

  • Takes up a lot of space due to its size
  • Cooling fans are not too strong

Verdict

With the help of the pedals and back rest it helps you maintain proper posture throughout even if you are quite short. The only drawback with this bike is that it takes up quite a lot of space.

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Pro Gear 555LXT- Magnetic tension bike complete with a goal setting computer

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With this exercise you will find a slim slider under the seat that you can use to adjust the seat. This makes it highly compatible with riders who are between 5’0†to 6’3†in height.

Specs

  • Wide LCD display screen
  • 14 levels of resistance
  • 3 computer goal settings of workouts
  • Has a step-through design hence easy to use
  • Fits height ranges between 5’0†and 6’3â€

The outline of this bike is made of strong durable steel.  As if that is not enough, it comes with 1 year warranty. As for its design, it has a decent sized LCD that can be used to monitor your workouts as well as follow through with a movie.

It uses the magnetic resistance system and has 14 levels. Also, it uses the belt system and a single wrench offering smooth and peaceful motions. There is a pressure handle that makes it easier to go back to original setting in case you change course. . The brakes have a plastic finishing offering decent grip levels.

Pros

  • Quiet workout
  • Lightweight hence is easy to move around
  • Easy to assemble as you have some of the parts preassembled
  • Offers you exceptional support

Cons

  • When the tension is at either the highest or lowest setting it tends to not beso smooth

Verdict

This bike is great for almost all ages with their varied experiences. It also has a unique design making it a great choice if you are looking to save space and money.

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Sunny Health& Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike P8400- Easily adjustable and comes with monitoring features

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Ladies, this is for you! P8400 is a sleek, beautiful pink folding exercise bike. It would fit well in a studio apartment as it is stylish and also foldable.

Specs

  • Transportation wheels
  • Maximum weight capacity is 220lbs
  • 8 levels of manual resistance
  • Pink color
  • Bluetooth connectivity

With this bike, you will not have trouble moving this around as it is light, has wheels and also can be folded to half its size. The features and functions are basic and you will not have a challenge as it also comes with a manual. Some of the parts come pre-assembled making it easy to put it up as it also comes with the manual for instructions

As for its workout specs, it has 8 different levels of resistance allowing multiple types of intensities working out. All these features comes with a reasonable price tag making it worth the buy. It is easily a good fit for shorter people as it is designed to fit right about any height.

Pros

  • Foldable, saving on space
  • Has an eye-catching design
  • Light in weight

Cons

  • No display screen

Verdict

This will be a great choice for people who want to workout from the comfort of their homes due to its size and also stylish appearance.

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What to consider before purchasingBest Recumbent Bikes for Short Legs

Overall size of the bike

The size and weight of the exercise bike are essential considerations. Small people might have a hard time moving a large unit from one point to another so the smaller the recumbent bike the better.

Also, if it is to be used at the comfort of your home it must not take up a lot of space. A compact sized bike is also a better fit in with any house décor.

Console

Most recumbent bikes have this but you need to keep an eye out just in case. You need to be able to see different readings on your heart rate, calories burnt, speed, distance and any other relevant reading.

Also,a proper console can be used for entertainment purposes during a workout session. Most of the bikes in this list have even gone further to include a backlit LCD screen display.

Adjustability

For most short people it is advisable to choose one with an adjustable seat in order to get the perfect length that suits you and ensures an effective workout. It also allows a wide range of people including short ones to use the machine.

Comfort

When you are choosing a recumbent exercise bike you are advised to pick one with a back rest, a padded or high density seat, large pedals and handlebars with great grip. Even if you have shorter legs you should not compromise on your comfort just because there is a recumbent bike you had your eyes firmly set on.

Weight capacity

Before purchasing any exercising machine, you should check for the weight capacity and preferably go for the one that can hold the most weight. This will ensure that a good number of people can be able to have a session with the exercise bike


Conclusion

This article has assessed 7 quality recumbent bikes that are perfect for short legs. You should not have to work out when you are all uncomfortable because you cannot reach the handlebar or pedals. Depending on your budget and needs, I am sure I have something for you. Take your time and go through your choices to find which suits you and your height best.


FAQ

  1. How do I make sure to pick an exercise bike that will work for my short legs?

When choosing a recumbent exercise bike keep an eye out to check if it has adjustable height features like a sliding seat that will bring you closer to the pedals and adjustable handle bars for a great grip without too much stretching.

  1. Will I get a knee or leg injury because of my height?

There are a number of exercise bikes that ensure your safety through large and inclined pedals, a padded seat with a back rest and straps to keep feet in place during a work out.

  1. Are the resistance levels the same for all heights?

Short people also need to have an effective workout which is only possible due to the different levels of resistance. In general you should go and get a recumbent bike that had many levels of resistance to give you a variety of tension.

  1. What should I do if my legs do not reach the pedals?

If it already has a slider under the chair you should use it to move your seat closer to the front but if it does not have a slider you should consider taking it to be modified to meet your needs.